Part of my research is on Setswana personal names. I here list the top 100 Setswana personal names from my corpus of over 25 000 Setswana personal names. By (pl.) we mean that it is as if something is said to many people instead of an individual. I am writing a bilingual dictionary of Setswana personal names which will have over 16 000 entries.

Amogelang —- receive; accept (pl.)
Akanyang —- think (pl.)
Baboloki —- saviours; people who save
Barulaganye —- they come immediately one after the other
Boikanyo —- a dependence
Boitumelo —- happiness; joy
Bontle —- beauty
Botshelo —- life
Dikeledi —- tears
Dineo —- gifts
Dipuo —- talks
Ditiro —- acts
Gaone —- of His (God)
Godiraone —- it is Him (God) who acts or who does
Gofaone —- it is Him (God) who gives
Goitsemang —- who knows?
Goitsemodimo —- it is God who knows
Goitseone —- it is him (God) who knows
Gosego —- lucky is he
Itumeleng —- be happy; celebrate; rejoice
Kabelo —- a gift
Kabo —- that which has been given
Kagiso —- peace
Karabo —- answer
Keabetswe —-I have been given
Kealeboga —-thank you; I am thankful
Keamogetse —-I have received; I have been paid
Kedibonye —- I have seen them
Kefilwe —- I have been given
Keitumetse —- I am happy; I am thankful
Kelebogile —- I am thankful
Keneilwe —- I have been given
Kenosi —- I am alone
Kgomotso —- comfort
Kgosi —- chief; king
Kgosiemang —- who is the chief
Khumo —- wealth; riches
Khumoetsile —- wealth has come
Lebogang —- be thankful
Lesedi —- light
Lesego —- luck; a blessing
Lorato —- love
Malebogo —- thanks (noun)
Marea —- Mary
Masego —- blessings
Matlho —- eyes
Matshidiso —- condolences
Mmoloki —- a saviour
Mmusi —- governor; a ruler
Moagi —- a builder; a resident
Modise —- herdboy
Moeng —- a guest; a visitor
Mogapi —- one who confiscates
Mogorosi —- one who brings the animals into the kraal in the evening
Mogotsi —- the builder of fire
Mokgosi —- a loud call for help
Molatlhegi —- the lost one
Molefe —- pay damages for her
Molefi —- one who pay damages to another
Mompati —- one who accompanies me
Mooketsi —- one who increases
Morapedi —- one who prays
Moremi —- one who cuts with an axe
Moseki —- one who appears before a court
Mosetsanagape —- a girl again
Mosimanegape —- a boy again
Mosweu —- the light coloured
Mothibi —- one who drives animals
Mothusi —- a helper
Motlalepula —- one who brings rain
Motsumi —- a hunter
Mpho —- a gift; a present
Neo —- a gift; a present; that which is given
Oaitse —- he knows
Obonye —- he has seen
Odirile —- he has done, created, made
Oduetse —- he has paid
Ofentse —- he has conquered; he is victorious
Olebile —- he is watching
Olebogeng —- thank Him (God)
Onalenna —- He (God) is with me
Onkemetse —- he is representing me; he is awaiting me
Ontlametse —- He (God) has protected me; He (God) has taken care of me
Oteng —- He is there
Othusitse —- He has helped
Otsile —- He has come
Pono —- sight
Pule —- rain
Segomotso —- a comfort
Sethunya —- a flower
Tapologo —- relaxation
Tebogo —- thanks (noun)
Thapelo —- prayer
Thatayaone —- His (God) strength
Thato —- Will; desire
Tshegofatso —- Grace; Blessing
Tshenolo —- Revelation
Tshepo —- Trust
Tsholofelo —- Expectation
Tuelo —- Payment

I also recommend people to use the Setswana Names Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1678970285680761/

Otetile is He is waiting for me. Ontetlile means He allowed me. I hope you use He with capital H as many of the name stating with O refer to God and even in explanation of the names it seems most of you O names are explained with small H not big. Use big H and it won’t be offensive anyhow.

robert matshaba

August 01, 2013, 5:16 pm

Ontitlile means He Allowed me (letla). Just the spelling is incorrect, should be Ontetlile but it all mean the same.

Kefilwe

August 30, 2013, 9:04 am

I thought the same as I read it, surely it mean he/she gave permission or allowed me?

Goemeone I believe means. Is He (God) who stood up. Like is he who made it possible.

Otlogetswe

August 01, 2013, 9:07 pm

Why are you phrasing the name as a question? The name is not Agoemeone but Goemeone.

Lonkutlwile

August 30, 2013, 3:51 pm

It means he (God) still stands morago ga tsotlhe osantse hela a eme

Cynthia

July 21, 2014, 3:31 pm

I think in short ka sekgowa it means God prevails

Dimakatso

January 24, 2016, 12:31 pm

To my knowledge it means HE STANDS referring to GOD

Lutske Newton

June 20, 2013, 7:38 pm

I love your website. Both my kids have setswana names and I wish I could find someone to teach them to speak the language in Pretoria,

Otlogetswe

June 24, 2013, 9:27 am

Unfortunately I am in Botswana…perhaps I could link you with people who may know Setswana instructors in Pretoria

Kefilwe

August 30, 2013, 9:14 am

Rre Otlogetswe, I believe YOU can teach us all via an online medium. Nna ke nna more Cape Town, mme monna wa mme ga se motswana, as such our beautiful daughter Kitso ga a itse leleme la ga mmagwe, mme dibuka tsa setswana ga diyo kakwano. I have to resort to finding them online. Granted it would be an enormous task to build such a website, however if you rope in people like Robert Matshaba and myself, we could make it less arduous I am a web designer. I learnt Setswana until class 3. From then onwards I lived in a province where it was unavailable. I at least know the months of the year in Setswana. My younger brothers who were born 10 years after me do not know what Saturday is in setswana, and think Sethunya means Gun… at 34, I realise that my language… at least in South Africa, dies with me if I don’t do something about it.

Otlogetswe

August 30, 2013, 8:28 pm

Ke lebogela kgakololo e. A re buisane ka fa re ka dirang se ka gone.

Michelle Kgare

June 24, 2013, 8:32 am

Hi – my husbands family has requested that we give the name “Tikwe” to our son, after his great, great grandfather. We have decided that it will be a middle name as we don’t have a sure meaning except that it is also the name of the Vaal River. Do you perhaps have another meaning that is known? I have asked many Setswana speakers outside our family and none of them know of this name.

Otlogetswe

June 24, 2013, 9:26 am

Tikwe appears to be from ‘tika’ ‘to throw’ a word related to ‘tikologo’ or surrounding. If Tikwe is derived from tika then it is a variation of tikwa just as Modise is a variation of Modisa. Tikwe is then a passive form of tika simply meaning’thrown’.

Ata or Atang means increase (a verb, in number). Yes it can be used for girls as well.

Jonathan

August 14, 2013, 4:48 am

my middle name is Moagise, does that mean the same as Moagi?

Otlogetswe

August 15, 2013, 10:12 pm

No it means one who helps someone build or it could mean one who reconciles

Duane

August 14, 2013, 11:56 am

Hi Otlogetswe

Is there a name that means “Help me to build”.

Thank you

Duane

August 14, 2013, 12:03 pm

Is it Nkagiseng?

Otlogetswe

August 15, 2013, 9:15 pm

Yes it is Nkagise (saying to one person) or Nkagiseng (saying to many people)

Otlogetswe

August 30, 2013, 8:30 pm

Nkagise or Nkagisa

Lesego

September 26, 2013, 2:41 pm

Dumelang bagaetsho,I’m also having a Baby Boy and I just wanna know gore what does “Kamano” mean?

Otlogetswe

October 18, 2013, 3:17 am

relationship …. how things relate to each other

kelebogile Motlhamme

November 23, 2013, 7:05 pm

Hey Otlogetswe. I’m tswana but unfortunately I have never been exposed much to the language and I’d really like to know what my surname means. Its Motlhamme.

Otlogetswe

January 19, 2014, 8:22 pm

It means “BUT”

Mmabatho

February 20, 2014, 10:17 pm

I love Tswana names. M due in September and I dont want to know if the baby is a he or a she because I want a surprise. I want a unique name that means “we have been offered”. The name should not be Reneilwe or Refilwe I want somethin similar to the two. Thusang hoo batho.

Otlogetswe

February 21, 2014, 5:25 pm

NEO, MPHO, ONNEILE, ONEILE, NEO, KEMONEILWE, KEMMONE

cmoapare@gmail.com

February 21, 2014, 6:35 pm

Thanx. Someone suggested Rafiwa and I wonder if it makes sense. Setswana isn’t my first language so I don’t know if the name sounds good and really shows appreciation of a special gift from God of course. He said Rafiwa is more like Ranewa.
Sent by Mascom from my BlackBerry® smartphone

We have settled on these two names, please confirm meanings for me
Tlotlo – respect
Abotle – the coming of wisdom

Please confirm for us, thank you.

Otlogetswe

August 16, 2014, 9:17 pm

TLOTLO yes means respect

ABOTLE means let it come. Now IT here could refer to any noun that starts with Bo- such Bontle (beauty), bogadi (pride price), botlhale (wisdom/intelligence), bojalwa (alcohol) etc…. Abotle is therefore not specifically about wisdom

Ketsotsaone is not Tswana but Sotho. An equivalent Tswana name is Tirotsaone & is predominantly male. It means God’s works or doings. Omphemetse is predominatly female. it means “He has protected/defended me”. Tlotlo is predominantly female. It means Honour/Respect. Otlotleng means honour him. It is unisex. Rebaone is a male name. It means “We belong to him (God)”. Gaopalelwe is unisex and used a lot in surnames. It means “Nothing is difficult/hard for you”. Tsholanang means “carry each other” probably meaning “support each other”.

lmao hee Otlogetswe, ke Rebaone ene ke motho wa mosadi. all the Rebaones that I personally know are females as well

Tsholofelo

October 18, 2013, 6:14 am

Hi Reba -Well le nna,le ne le confuser but after I got this reply and asked around most Rebaone’s ke basimane.I wouldn’t mind mixing it up a bit ke bitse mosetsana Rebaone ka gonne it wouldn’t make a difference batho ba bitsa bana ka maina a tshwanang,whether male or female,I wouldn’t worry too much because le nkoko a re ke a male name but unique when you give it to a female as well because it’s a strong name and the beholder of the name has strong characteristics so consider yourself blessed to have such a wonderful name.

There are few names that are not unisex in Setswana. If the name starts with MMA (not Ma but MMA) that will be girl name and the name that start with RRA is boys. There are few exception from that rule. The name Kgotla is for boys only because kgotla is clan ( I am not literal here). If maybe in your family the first 3 children were girls then the fourth is a boy, he might be called Kgotla to signify that the clan name will survive ( molelo ga o a tima mo kgotleng e). Segametsi is for girls which will mean that the girl will be married one day. One of the most important thing about Setswana names in time past was that they were events driven. A person will be given a name based on what happen when she/he was born. Matshidiso (unisex) is name given to someone who was born just after the family has experience bereavement. There is also something about naming children in Setswana which is giving them a “thing” name. It is one of the practice in many African communities. If a child is born after the passing of the immediate sibling the child is referred to as a “thing”. Basically ke selo sa Modimo se tla re golela lo se tshwenyegeng. The child could be called Sekere because ke sekere fela selo se. That is done because the believe is if given a proper name the parents may end be anxious and do stupid thing, but by calling a child a thing then you allow nature to take course without tempting fate because ke selo sa Modimo.

Reply

cathrine

September 22, 2013, 1:08 pm

I wanna know the meaning of ontehetse

Otlogetswe

September 23, 2013, 11:08 am

It means “He has paid a price for me” or “He has atoned for me” or “He has redeemed me”

jeanette

September 22, 2013, 7:59 pm

Prof.!
Ke kopa tlhaloso ya maina a latelang:

1. Kelobile
2. Khunwana
3. Reamogetse
4. Goaletsa

Ke a leboga.

Dikeledi

September 24, 2013, 6:47 am

I am proudly Tswana and both my kids have Tsawana names ,I named them “due to situations” Ompaballetsi and Oarabile…

thato

September 25, 2013, 12:58 pm

Dumelang. Pls assist me with a unique baby girl’s name who will b born during xmas, 1 that shows humility, love, strength n kindness… thank you

Otlogetswe

September 26, 2013, 4:39 am

Do you know if the baby will be a boy or girl?

Luhle

September 25, 2013, 2:27 pm

I’m Zimbabwean once resided in Gaborone. I fell in love with the language and the people. I’m now married with one boy we named ‘Katlego’. Does it really mean success, or I misinterpreted? I’d like to give all my children setswana names, what does ‘Katlo’ mean, does it mean a hug?

Hello everyone. Sir, thank you for this website. Nothing beats us Africans keeping our languages alive so thank you indeed. I am Zulu living in Johannesburg, South Africa and I am known for my obsession with native languages spoken and written properly. A friend recently taught me a Tswana word meaning insight or wisdom. I happen to have forgotten it and it’s haunting me. Please assist 🙂

it means “to ululate / lululate”. It sort of an instruction to people to ululate as a sign of celebration. not sure how to describe it mainly done at weddings or any celebrations. sounds ike “lu-lu-lu-lu..

Thandi

October 14, 2013, 4:30 pm

Hi Otlogetswe
can u please assist me in finding a unqiue sesotho, tswana or pedi name for my daughter.

Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long
comment but after I clicked submit my comment
didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again.
Anyways, just wanted to say superb blog!

I really enjoyed this website, I just love the names: Olebogeng Ontlametse

Galebowe

January 18, 2014, 11:25 pm

What a lovely n helpful website. I’d like to get the meaning of my son’s name Olereko. I’ve always thought it means ‘He (God) is merciful;good/kind’?

Otlogetswe

January 19, 2014, 8:20 pm

It actually means “He is a a protective/defensive wall”

Thato

January 19, 2014, 5:38 pm

Ke rata setswana ke puo e monate.Karolo is a gud name 4 a girl.

Mpolokeng

January 28, 2014, 5:06 pm

Hi Otlogetswe. My partner and I really love the name Serene ,(synonyms: calm, composed, collected, {cool, calm, and collected}, as cool as a cucumber, tranquil, peaceful, at peace, pacific, untroubled, relaxed, at ease, poised, self-possessed, unperturbed, imperturbable, undisturbed, unruffled, unworried, unexcitable, placid, equable, even-tempered ), though we don’t want to name her the English version. Can you please translate the name into Setswana for us as our lil miss sunshine is due end of March.

Litheko

October 03, 2014, 12:35 pm

unfortunately I come late to the discussion. the name you are looking for is Thokgamo.

sello

January 29, 2014, 1:29 pm

Nna ke kopa tlhaloso ya leina Serite gore le reya goreng

Olihile

February 03, 2014, 2:29 pm

ke kopa tlhaloso ya leina OLIHILE

Otlogetswe

February 09, 2014, 3:10 pm

This has been answered earlier: Olihile/Olefile means “s/he has paid a price/charge”

Mpolokeng

February 07, 2014, 8:47 am

Hi Otlogetswe. My partner and I really love the name Serene ,(synonyms: calm, composed, collected, {cool, calm, and collected}, as cool as a cucumber, tranquil, peaceful, at peace, pacific, untroubled, relaxed, at ease, poised, self-possessed, unperturbed, imperturbable, undisturbed, unruffled, unworried, unexcitable, placid, equable, even-tempered ), though we don’t want to name her the English version. Can you please translate the name into Setswana for us as our lil miss sunshine is due end of March.

Am definately gettin a name here for my baby. Interestin names.
What does Lapologang mean?

Otlogetswe

February 18, 2014, 12:23 pm

Lapologang is such a beautiful name but difficult to explain. If you are tired (O lapile) and you rest and feel recharged and refreshed, we say o lapologile. Lapologang therefore means feel refreshed & recharged after being tired.

mmabatho

February 15, 2014, 1:21 pm

can u pls give me da meaning of the name karabelo, m thinking of naming it 2 ma bby girl

O ka raya ngwana any name that you like. Motheo is a beautiful name. Don’t worry that he is the second born. Perhaps you feel secure now with having a second child…o na le Motheo!

Manthaka

February 21, 2014, 1:36 pm

Agee Rre Otlogetswe, ke hloka thuso, what does the name Molemo mean?

Otlogetswe

February 21, 2014, 5:23 pm

It canc mean many things. GOODNESS or MEDICINE

hi, can you please help me with a unique unisex tswana name starting with "R"

June 06, 2014, 12:30 am

Please assist me with the name “Gomolemo” since molemo means Goodness or Medicine.

Otlogetswe

June 08, 2014, 11:42 am

It means “It is good/peaceful/fine”

v

April 20, 2014, 4:45 pm

hi what does waitse mean?

Otlogetswe

April 22, 2014, 7:19 am

O a itse [Waitse] means “He knows”

Kgaugelo

February 24, 2014, 12:28 pm

Hi Otlogetswe,My first daugter is Galaletsang and 2nd Tlhonolofatso.Now I`m having a boy and wants a name that suit both names to be one sentense.Galaletsang Modimomo ka tlhonolofatso……….. Kindly assist. I wanted a unique name and thought of Tlholego(creation) but not sure if it fits well. Please assist me with other names you can suggest.
Kgaugelo

Dineo

February 25, 2014, 10:18 am

Hi, my second name is Sebolelo, named after my great great grandmother. I often struggle to explain the meaning of the name and I would like some help with the definition.
Thank you

Podile ke a green insect that smells bad and it smell spreads…it shud b a clan name

Kago

May 15, 2014, 12:22 pm

Ranewa, Rafiwa or Ranaa/Ranaya are indeed beatiful names 4 gals

Lulu

May 19, 2014, 10:55 pm

Please help me with the meaning of Reanaya/ Anaya?

Otlogetswe

May 20, 2014, 11:42 am

Reanaya = we give/we are giving
Anaya = He gave

Lebo

May 21, 2014, 1:28 am

Hi
I’m due in december an I’m hoping for baby girl. I have two names I love, Tshimologo Entle – A beautiful begining. My question is, can I still give these names to a boy? If not, can u help me come up with something similar?

Thank you!

Otlogetswe

May 21, 2014, 1:39 am

Yes you can give the names to a boy

Lebo

May 21, 2014, 1:43 am

Thank u…

hi, can you please help me with a unique unisex tswana name starting with "R"

Hello,aem expecting my 3rd child n was thinking to name him Pholoso but not sure of the meaning of it. Pls enliteng me.its Lerato

Otlogetswe

July 13, 2014, 4:36 pm

Pholoso is Sotho. It is used to mean salvation though I believe it actually means to break away from captivity.

Lebogang Motlhabane

December 18, 2015, 8:51 am

Pholoso – Salvation

mzacana seke

July 11, 2014, 9:14 pm

what a wonderful job you are doing. we are newly wedded couple expecting our first blessing from God. we want a suitable tswana name for the baby. thank you.

mzacana seke

July 11, 2014, 9:30 pm

what does “mzacana” mean?

Otlogetswe

July 13, 2014, 4:33 pm

What language is that?

chiefseke@nokiamail.com

July 15, 2014, 2:24 pm

i sincerely think “mzacana” is a term derived from tswana. it must be having tswana origins or connectivity of some sort.

Otlogetswe

July 16, 2014, 10:56 am

I have never heard of it in Setswana. What does it mean?

chiefseke@nokiamail.com

July 17, 2014, 7:15 am

thank you sir. what is the meaning of “ketumile” then?

Nthabi

September 29, 2014, 5:50 pm

I think Ketumile means “I’m famous”

Basetsana

March 15, 2015, 8:51 am

Mzcana tswana???not in a million years…xhosa or zulu but tswana never.

Khensy

July 25, 2014, 5:38 pm

please assist with meaning of: Mokhethi and Moabi

Otlogetswe

July 25, 2014, 6:34 pm

Mokhethi is a chooser/voter. Moabi is a giver

Kelly

July 29, 2014, 12:18 pm

Dumelang,. please help with translating Omphemetse, Galaletsang & Boikanyo im expecting my baby in November and i want a name with a good meaning after having lost 3 children and those are my favorites especially Omphemetse. Im zulu and my husband is Xhosa but i know my mother would want to name my baby since she is Tswan a so pls help i want to beat her to it.

@ Prof T.J Otlogetswe
We are expecting our 2nd son weeks earlier than expected due to health complications. Saw the word Tio from the above messages, and like the sound to it. Kindly assist with its spelling and meaning. Open to other name suggestions for a baby boy, preferably short and modern.

Boitumelo

August 10, 2014, 3:58 pm

@ Prof T.J Otlogetswe
We are expecting our 2nd son weeks earlier than expected due to health complications. Saw the word Tio from the above messages, and like the sound to it. Kindly assist with its spelling and meaning. Open to other name suggestions for a baby boy, preferably short and modern.

Gomolemo Tsaone

August 15, 2014, 10:59 pm

You’re doing a good work, Prof. Quick question; is Kgatontle (ke) Leanolaone grammatically correct. Can it be better phrased? Thanks!

Otlogetswe

August 16, 2014, 9:09 pm

Are you trying to create two names that together form a sentence? The two names look excellent and unique the way they are

Otlogetswe

October 03, 2014, 3:48 pm

Yes it reads fine. The most important thing though is that it is meaningful to you.

I don’t know how I came across this website but I love it bcos I’m obsessed with beautiful Tswana names. Can someone please give me the meaning of the name KEOKAMETSWE derived from the word Mookamedi and KGABISO?? Thnx.

madume.I am expecting my first child and i am afraid i will give my son/daughter the name that he/she wont like when he/she grows up.
I have two in mind and would like to know if its unisex
Bokao – Meaning
Semelo- Character/Personality

Please let me know if the meaning of Semelo is correct.

Otlogetswe

October 22, 2014, 2:30 pm

Yes both names are unisex

Shona

October 23, 2014, 12:38 pm

Madumelang, I am Expecting my first child and i need Tswana name related to BLESSING, NOT SURE WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE, I am not a tswana by Culture…..Thanks….Please help

Hello, I’m Namibian and have always like Setswana names. My husband has some family in Botswana and I thought it would be a uniting gesture to have a Tswana name for our child. I like the name Kaone but have found two meanings for it. I understand it is short for Kaone Modimo. does that mean “it is because of God” or “through God all is possible”. also is the Name Unisex?

Otlogetswe

November 19, 2014, 6:46 pm

Yes the names means “it is because of God” or “through God” & without the meaning “all is possible”.

Nthabiseng Moreriane

November 19, 2014, 10:06 pm

Please help what does “Dibile” mean?

Otlogetswe

November 20, 2014, 5:16 am

Probably from “Diba” meaning “to protect from” or “avoid”

kelebogile

November 20, 2014, 1:24 pm

hey O im expecting and looking at a name Keone be it a girl or boy because i believe that keone modimo omphileng

kelebogile

November 20, 2014, 2:41 pm

hey O im expecting and looking at a name Keone be it a girl or boy because i believe that keone modimo omphileng

Reply

Otlogetswe

November 21, 2014, 7:58 am

Its a good name

Khitha

November 23, 2014, 1:23 pm

Hi guys,cn u pls tell me if the name Kaone means “Through God all is possible” .in few weeks to come i’m expecing my first child and i’m looking for a nice Tswana name tht starts with a K.i love the name Kaone bt i was told its a girl name and i dnt knw whether i’m having a boy or girl i want it to be a surprise.would it be okay to name my child Kaone even if its a boy?

Otlogetswe

November 23, 2014, 1:40 pm

The name means “through/by God”

kelebogile

June 27, 2015, 12:47 pm

hey O I just need to find out what is the difference between kaone and Keone because I named my princess Keone ,is it not the same thing I get people questioning me because honestly I think its one and the same thing

Hi OJ I do not know a lot about the history of my family and I would love to know the meaning of my surname NTLATLENG,please help

Botshelo

December 01, 2014, 3:42 pm

Hello! My name is Botshelo and im expecting a baby girl Feb 2015. This will be my first child. I love the names Isago and Bokamoso. I also like the name Genesis but i dont want an english name. Would Tshimologo be a better transaltion for this name?. Im looking for unique Tswana names that mean “The beginning” or “The future”. Please help.

Otlogetswe

December 02, 2014, 6:58 pm

Isago is a lovely short name…that’s what I would suggest. Best wishes on your baby!

Kindly assist as I like the name “Marang” and I am expecting a boy. Can the name be used for a boy?

Otlogetswe

December 23, 2014, 7:32 am

Yes

Tsholofelo Mompati

January 03, 2015, 9:28 pm

marang(sun rays)

Nei

December 25, 2014, 6:29 pm

Good afternoon , pls me with the meaning of Thakgatso n thakgafatso. Thanks in advance

Anonymous

December 29, 2014, 12:15 pm

Rre Otlogetswe your work is invaluable. God bless you. Please assist me in changing the work Kganya form an instruction to a statement of a fact. I woud like to capture the meaning “He (God) has brightened up/brought light’ (into our lives). But using Kganya. I dont want to instruct…but merely state

Otlogetswe

January 03, 2015, 10:24 pm

KGANYA also works the similarly as a stative mood

Anonymous

December 29, 2014, 12:17 pm

Rre Otlogetswe your work is invaluable. God bless you. Please assist me in changing the word Kganya from an “instruction” to a statement of a fact. I woud like to capture the meaning “He (God) has brightened up/brought light’ (into our lives). But using Kganya. I dont want to instruct…but merely state

Tshwanelo

December 29, 2014, 1:14 pm

wooow I guess you share the sentiments with my parents on the birth of my little sister – “Rebone-Lesedi”

Anonymous

December 30, 2014, 9:36 am

Thats beautiful…exactly what I’m trying to capture. But how would one phrase it using Kganya instead of Lesedi?

dumela rre , your website is amazing , i have a daughter and her name is Leano Otsile , i have been in love with those names for as long as i can remember and i will name my son one of the following names: Leruo(Wealth) , Leeto Lentle(a beutiful Journey) or Letshwao(a mark).. Setswana se monate tota , i am so proud to be TSWANA.

Tshepo

January 05, 2015, 11:48 pm

Dumela Rre Otlogetswe…Iam having a boy in March, could you kindly assist me with Tswana names for boys. I really like the name Thari/Tari but unfortunately my friends son is named Thari, Ive never heard that name before, what does it mean?…I like names that are short, very unique and sound strong like Thari, pls send me any you suggestions you might have,

I’m loving all the names in here. i have a son whom i named Ontshiametse, i’m expecting my second born and not sure if its a girl or a boy (wish it could be a girl) i really need help with a unique name for either one. i am looking for a name that is not far of the meaning of my first born. I love the name Kelebogile for a girl and not sure its applicable as i want to have a girl but if its a boy i’m completely clueless……….

mogopa

March 24, 2015, 8:04 pm

Can you please tell me what does mogopa means because its my name and I don’t know it means what please help thanks

THANK YOU FOR THE BEAUTIFUL SETSWANA NAMES AND WHAT IS THE MEANING OF GAOPALELWE.

Bakang

March 22, 2015, 6:22 am

Never defeated if am right@Tebogo Mampe

TEBOGO MAMPE (BEKKERSDAL)

February 09, 2015, 1:34 pm

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL NAME IS KEOKEDITSWE. THAT IS MY LATE SISTER’S NAME.(ALETTA KEOKEDITSWE NDAKI MODISANE)

nthabiseng

February 11, 2015, 10:03 am

I’m expecting not knowing its a girl or boy but I want to combine my fiance’s name (Thatoyaone) and my name (Nthabiseng). Then name our child. Help me with ideas

Mpho Mokgosani

February 13, 2015, 3:27 pm

Hi Nthabi, Do you really want to do that? Would that name have a meaning at all apart from the understandably fact that it’s combined from your’s and hubby’s. I would advise that you give your baby a name that has a meaning. You and hubby both have beautiful meaningful names, why would you want to give your baby a name with no meaning? Just think about it.
All the best.

Dumelang, My husband and I are expecting a baby boy in April. I am a Zulu woman married to a moTswana.
I like the name Thoriso, however I’m not sure if its really Tswana. Also, is Kaboentle a proper name for a boy.
Was thinking of naming him Thoriso Kaboentle. Will really appreciate your advise. Thank you.

Otlogetswe

February 23, 2015, 1:02 pm

Yes THORISO is a good Setswana name. Kaboentle is also a lovely name. Both names are brilliant.

Rre Otlogetswe
Ke rata ge nka reya ngwana wa me Through God we are Blessed. Would this be the correct translation Kaone Relesego?

Madume Palesa

Annett

March 06, 2015, 3:52 pm

Can anyone suggest 5-7 names (in Setswana) that start with the letter -A- and their translation? The meaning should be something nice. The names should be suitable for dogs. Here ist the explanation for this request: I used to live in Botswana and when I went back to Europe I took a dog with me. She is about to have babies soon and all thier names (because it is her first litter) have to start with A. I thought it would be nice to have names from her home country.

Dumelang Batswana,please help me with translation of the name Phemelo..thanx in advance..

ntswaki

March 20, 2015, 9:45 am

Hi Otlogetswe

I lost my still born baby in 2011 and now expecting a baby and not sure if is he or she, i am not sure if this name KGAUGELO will be suitable if i name my baby. am i right when i say it means God’s mercy to have this child

Nomagugu

March 24, 2015, 10:47 pm

Hi are there any Tswana names that show great joy/happiness other than Itumeleng,Ntumiseng and Boitumelo?

Refilwe

March 25, 2015, 11:53 pm

I’m pregnant with my firstborn and I want to name her/him Moagi so I want to know if its unisex.

Otlogetswe

April 10, 2015, 12:46 pm

Moagi is a boy’s name. It is not unisex

Xolile

March 27, 2015, 8:27 pm

What is the meaning of Laone

mmekwane

March 27, 2015, 8:54 pm

Dumelang. Does anyone know what Mmekwane or Mokotsipane means. Please help my brother n I find themeanings of our names.
Thanks in advance

Hello. I have 3 questions, which I hope you can answer for me.
1. I am keen to find out what a queen is ka Setswana?
2. What is the meaning of Motswedi?
3. What would be an uncommon Tswana name that means “Victor”, “Victory” or “Victorious”.

I will like to know the meaning of REATLEGILE means because I really like that name and I will like to give it to my first child please help am desperate for the meaning.

Tshwanelo

June 29, 2015, 11:40 am

Reatlegile ke fa o fitlheletse ditoro kana dikeletso tsaago

Otlogetswe

July 05, 2015, 1:52 pm

It means “we are successful”

Lehlohonolo

June 27, 2015, 7:33 am

Hi all

Love this website. What does the name Nyelusi mean?

Otlogetswe

June 29, 2015, 11:03 am

Is it Setswana? It doesn’t sound like a Setswana name

Lehlohonolo

July 05, 2015, 10:45 am

I was told it’s tswana meaning to grow/multiply

Keke

June 29, 2015, 1:31 pm

hi can you please give me the meaning of the name Ookame.

Bontle

July 02, 2015, 10:20 am

thank you for the website so many beautiful Setswana names, we recently got married and now we are pregnant with our first and its twins we looking at names like Bokang, Tlotlego,Tumisang, Tumiso,Rorisang,Letlotlo and Reabetswe we want names that will mean thank you Lord for this blessing of twins.

Hi,ke kopa thuso.My 2nd name ke MMASHIKOANE,I was named after my greatgrandmother from my dad’s mom’s side of the family.They originate from Botswana but we were born and raised in SA.I’d like to know what it means.

am a pedi speaking lady who loves tswana names and my first born name is bokamoso now expecting a second child. i will love to give him a name that starts with b also. can u please help me with more names that starts with b and the meaning of the above mentioned names.

Please help me with the meaning of the following names, and tell me if the names are unisex or not : Oreatlile and Onkabetse ?

Ntebatse

August 07, 2015, 11:06 am

Please help me with the meaning of the following names, and tell me if the names are unisex or not: Oreatlile and Onkabetse?

Tshepiso

August 08, 2015, 9:26 pm

Dear ; Prof Otlogwetse
I am a pedi girl who find Tswana names interesting. I am expecting soon and I would like to name my baby Kagontle or Amantle but I don’t know their meaning. Can you please tell me what does these names mean.

Lovely website, its amazing that we only check and appreciate such great when we are in need and confused.
I wanted to name my child “Tshimologo” after my grandma but found that its a boy. Is there something similar to to Tshimologo that I can use for a boy?

Hi, can you please tell me, what is Greatness in setswana? Im expecting and hoping for a boy. Please give me a name that can relate to Greatness of God

Tshwanelo

August 28, 2015, 12:04 pm

Bogolo or Omogolo

Sedi

September 15, 2015, 7:48 pm

Expecting our first born soon and love the Name Oatile? Does it also mean the one that increases?

Maggie

August 28, 2015, 12:47 pm

Good day please help me with the name Kekgethilwe or Okgethilwe

Michelle

August 30, 2015, 7:29 am

I am expecting my first baby, we are very excited, my boyfriend is xhosa and i’m tswana,so we decided 2 both name the baby, we don’t know the sex of the baby yet and I love the name Olaotse but I don’t know what it mean, could you please help.

pelonolo

September 02, 2015, 7:04 pm

My name us pelonolo now can u guys tell me wht does it min

Naledi mama aga Rea

September 05, 2015, 10:50 am

my lil angel s name is Rearabetswe after trying to hv a bby

Precious

September 11, 2015, 8:29 pm

Hi there

I’m expecting twins and I have the names Phenyo, Rorisang Thoriso, Keleabetswe in mind. Problem is that I’m not sure what Keleabetswe means, may you please assist?

lerato

September 12, 2015, 3:17 pm

Hey my bby’s name is Isagontle ppl insists it’s Isagoentle, I’m about to do birth certificate plz help me with correct spelling for my bby’s name

Mmagwe Isagontle

January 31, 2016, 8:14 pm

Hi Lerato. Did u come right with the ‘correct spelling’?

Dimakatso

February 04, 2016, 11:05 am

Madume Mmagwe Isagontle mokwalo o o lolameng ke Isagoentle

Sedi

September 15, 2015, 7:56 pm

We are expecting our first born soon and really love the name Oatile. Does it mean one who increases?

lebogang

September 18, 2015, 1:32 am

Hii my name is lebogang nd I married a xhosa man so we r expecting our first son I’m a few weeks we r really struggling 2 get relevant names coz I was thinking of calling him Reatlegile Leanolaone but he disagrees coz both these names r tswana can I plzzzzzz get help with a unique xhosa boy name plzzz help coz I really love Reatlegile nd Leanolaone so plz help me get a xhosa name thnx

hi Otlogetswe i have 2kids the girl is REABETSWE ORATILE AND the boy is JUNIOR ATLEGANG and im expecting so im not sure of a name and i want a tswana name its a girl

Choaro

November 08, 2015, 10:20 pm

Evening,my name is Choaro from Soweto. I tend to struggle with a lot of people pronouncing my name…. I’m a bit confused about the meaning and would definitely appreciate any one who might have a clue….. Thanks

Madume,
I kindly need your assistance. I’m expecting a baby girl and I have been trying to find a beautiful Setswana name for her. My first born’s name (also a girl) is Tshegofatso and I wanted a name that also starts with “T” for her little sister. I’m open to other suggestions even if they don’t start with “T”.

Hi Prof. Weve just had a baby boy. We foreigners but would want to remember our blessing here in Bots. We would want an idea on a name resembling a precious gift/blessing. name to start with an R. Thanks

madume prof
we named our first daughter reaogalaletsa and expecting second daughter,we are thinking of resego,olereko,rekolaone,agobakwe can u help with the meaning of those name or ke kopa le le tla tsamaisanang le reaogalaletsa

Nna ke rata leina la Motheo. what is the meaning of that name?If im not mistaken it mean “Foundation” right? Im expecting my first baby and would love to name him or her Motheo. Ive always loved this name and i always wanted to name my first born Motheo, so now that is finally happening, i cant wait :D.

Keikantse

August 16, 2016, 6:03 pm

Dumelang bagaetsho..

My first child’s name is Boemo and I am expecting another boy. I would like a beautiful name starting with Bo

Hi my babe was born yesterday the same date and month my late Mom was born in lebitso la haye enele Dieketseng ekaba waka ngoana ke kamofa lebitso lefeng la sesotho la ngoanana in memory of my late Mother

Refilwe

August 25, 2016, 2:55 pm

Hi
What is the meaning of the name Oreatlile?

Thanks

tebogomadumo

August 27, 2016, 4:26 am

Hi. My daughter’s name is Kopano. We are now expecting a 2nd child. What name can I give my baby that completes the below: Tebogo (my name) ka Kopano….Pls advise. This me thanking God pls keep that in mind.

Kedibone

August 31, 2016, 1:15 pm

Hi, I’m expecting twins in December a boy and a girl, so me and my partner we struggling with Names. We have a 3year old boy his name is Phetolo n we lost the second baby last year a still born baby boy of 38 weeks, We named him Junior. Please help!!!

Susan Mookeletsi

September 01, 2016, 3:30 pm

Hi. Can I name a baby boy this names. Tshireletso or Naledi?

Ratanang

August 31, 2016, 3:39 pm

I want to name my child Loago regardless of the gender, what does it mean?

Hi, i have a baby boy and his name was given to him by my in-laws and is meant to carry on the name of one of the elders.. His name is Sefore. I feel lost when people ask me what it means as i do not know myself, but some people are quick to automatically think it means “Lier/Lies”.. Is this what his name really means?? A part of me would be disappointed if it means that ..!!.. Please Help if anyone know –

Gomolemo

September 19, 2016, 5:16 pm

Hi Otlogetswe. Thank you so much for this amazing blog. I would like to give my child a name meaning “The apple of my eye”. What would be an appropriate name? Thank you so much for your help.
Kind Regards
Gomolemo

Hi all. I’m expecting twins and my husband has already come up with a name Rorisang, so if you can please help me with another Tswana name that goes with Rorisang. They are both boys. Thank you…
I have seen mane I like here, but then I will use for my next child, if God allows it.

Kgato

January 25, 2017, 2:09 pm

ke nagana Rebaone?

Babalwa

February 01, 2017, 11:49 am

What does Rebaone mean? I understand Bokang. I’m not really fussy, I just wanted Tswana names for the boys.